By the time Aurora got home, it was late.

She unlocked her phone—only to be met with a fresh post from Marco.

A photo of his and Sofia's hands, fingers intertwined. On Sofia's delicate ring finger, the engagement ring gleamed under the light, its diamond obnoxiously massive.

[An unforgettable day—I've found the love of my life.]

Aurora let out a quiet laugh.

Marco had never once acknowledged their relationship publicly. She'd brushed it off, thinking it was just how he was. But now, it was obvious—he never saw her as someone worth claiming.

No hesitation. She blocked him.

They'd met on a rainy night. She'd been tutoring when the student's father got too close, hands where they didn't belong. She barely escaped, running blindly through the downpour—until Marco found her.

And she'd fallen.

She, who had never cared for anyone before, had taught herself how to love. She learned how to make him happy, how to be the perfect girlfriend—nursing him when he was sick, soothing him when he was down, doing everything right.

And for what?

She really thought she'd earned a place by his side.

Like an idiot, she believed giving it her all would actually matter.

But in the end, it was nothing.

***

The next day, Aurora made sure her makeup was flawless—no trace of last night's mess. She had plans to finalize with Professor Serrano, and everything was set.

But as she was leaving, she ran into Sofia on the staircase, clutching some ridiculously expensive gift, clearly on her way up.

Something twisted in Aurora's chest, but she kept her mouth shut. Not worth it.

Sofia, though, visibly tensed. She'd been gunning for Professor Serrano's only grad student spot, but seeing Aurora walk out of Professor Serrano's place? That wiped the smug look right off her face.

Then she spotted Marco approaching.

In a snap, she latched onto Aurora's arm, her grip iron-tight.

Aurora flinched, shaking her off—

Sofia yanked her down with her.

Aurora fell.

Marco rushed forward—

Straight to Sofia.

Aurora slammed onto the ground, her head cracking against the last step. Blood seeped into her hair.

"Sofia, are you okay?"

Marco didn't even look at Aurora. He cradled Sofia like she was made of glass, scanning her for injuries, like she was the only one who mattered.

Sofia, perfectly fine in his arms, still played the fragile act. "I think... I upset Ms. Diaz. I didn't mean to."

Only then did Marco glance at Aurora, sprawled at the bottom of the stairs.

His gaze barely lingered before shifting away.

"You swore you didn't care, but now you're hurting innocent people? You're only making me hate you more."

Aurora's head was still spinning, but Marco's words hit like a bucket of ice water.

So this was how it was.

Even if she was lying here, bleeding, she was still the villain.

She ignored him and turned to Sofia instead. "Then let's call the cops. Let's see who's actually to blame."

Marco had never heard Aurora sound so indifferent before. It twisted something in his chest.

"Fine, call them. You think I—"

Sofia paled and yanked his sleeve before he could finish.

There were no security cameras, but if the cops started checking for fingerprints or evidence, things could go south fast.

"Forget it," she murmured. "I'm not hurt. No need to make a scene in front of Prof. Serrano's house. Let's just drop it. I'm sure Ms. Diaz didn't mean to."

Marco frowned, holding Aurora's gaze just long enough to make it a warning before finally backing off.

Aurora looked away, forcing down the dizziness as she turned and walked down the stairs.

***

Outside, Aurora pressed a tissue to her bleeding wound, waiting for a cab.

It wasn't long before Marco and Sofia came down, both looking pissed. Even better? They still had all the expensive gifts they'd brought—completely untouched.

Guess Professor Serrano hadn't even bothered humoring them.

Aurora watched, barely hiding her amusement. Seeing them this frustrated? Totally worth it. Even the pain from her injury felt a little less sharp.

Sofia glanced up, caught Aurora watching, and flushed in humiliation. She ducked her head, tugging at Marco's sleeve. "Do you think Ms. Diaz said something to Prof. Serrano?

"Otherwise, I don't get it. Why wouldn't she even let me present my work before shutting me out?"

Marco's expression darkened.

Aurora had to be behind this. Still bitter about what happened and trying to sabotage Sofia just to prove something—and maybe get his attention.

Too bad it wasn't gonna work.

Pulling Sofia into his arms, Marco stepped up to Aurora. "I don't know what you told Prof. Serrano, but if I find out you're playing dirty, you'll regret it."

Aurora met his glare without flinching. "Maybe your girlfriend should try being competent for once instead of blaming me for her failures."

Marco's expression darkened further. He was about to snap back when his gaze caught on the blood streaked across her face.

He hesitated.

She really had hit the stairs hard. Was she seriously hurt?

Sofia noticed his shift in focus. Her eyes flickered before she tightened her grip on his arm. "Marco, I feel a little dizzy... I think my blood sugar's low."

Instantly, his attention snapped back to her. "You're dizzy? I'll take you to the hospital."

Without another word, he scooped her up and walked off, not sparing Aurora another glance.

Aurora watched him disappear, then let out a quiet, self-mocking laugh.

She got into her cab and left without looking back.

The next day, an unknown number popped up on Aurora's phone.

Lately, she'd been dealing with delivery services and moving companies, so she answered—only to hear Marco's voice.

"Come get your stuff from my place. If you don't, I'll toss it. And..."

He hesitated, tempted to ask why she'd blocked him. But no—she was just playing hard to get. If he pushed, she might think she still had a chance and start clinging again.

What he didn't expect? Aurora's completely indifferent response.

"Got it."

Then she hung up. Just like that.

Like he was nothing.

Marco stared at his phone, unreadable.

Sofia, noticing, leaned in. "Marco, the interview's tomorrow. I'm so nervous. What if Ms. Diaz holds a grudge and tries to ruin my chance?"

Marco snapped back. "No one's messing with the interview. Just focus on proving yourself."

Sofia nodded, resting against his chest, but her eyes? Ice cold.

***

Aurora reached Marco's apartment building and stepped into the elevator, glancing at the time. She mentally ticked off what she needed to grab.

Then the lights flickered.

The smooth ascent jolted. The car shuddered.

Her body went rigid. Maybe it was nothing—

But fate had other plans.

Another flicker. Then a sharp pop.

Total darkness.

Aurora's breath hitched. A cold tremor ran through her.

Locked in a kindergarten classroom as a kid, she'd been claustrophobic ever since. Tight spaces with no way out? Her chest would tighten, her pulse would skyrocket, and if she was stuck too long—pure, suffocating panic.

But even with terror clawing at her throat, she forced herself to act. She slammed the emergency button.

"Hello? The elevator's broken! Someone needs to send maintenance—"

The response wasn't a technician.

It was Marco. Cold. Unyielding.

"You're staying put until Sofia's interview is over. Don't bother struggling. I'll let you out when it's done."

Aurora's blood ran cold.

Even an idiot could see what was happening.

Marco had locked her in.

He thought she'd try to compete with Sofia for the spot with Professor Serrano—so he took the easiest way out.

But he knew. He knew what this would do to her.

"I'm not even in the selection! Let me out!" Aurora pounded on the doors, forcing down the panic clawing at her throat.

"Nice try. You've been making too many moves lately. Time you learned a lesson."

He didn't believe her.

And then—he cut the line and walked away.